HORSESHOEING. 



107 



The hind shoe (Fig. 116) is made in like manner, but the 

 branches are not bent in a circle but given that form sho\vn in 

 Eig. 106. Concaving is not necessary; it is sufficient merely 

 to round the inner edge of the web. 



Fig. 105. 



Fig. 106. 



The curvature of a branch of a front shoe. 



The curvature of a branch of a hind shoe. 



Since in bending the shoe, and especially the toe of a hind 

 shoe, the inner edge is crowded together (back-set) and thick- 

 ened to the same extent that the outer edge is stretched and 

 thinned, we must remember to do away with these inequalities 

 of thickness and strain by hammering the shoe smooth. 



Peculiarities of the Shoe. 



They are dependent upon the structure, direction, and posi- 

 tion of the leg and hoof, as well as upon the horse's service and 

 the nature of the ground. Since the shoe is an artificial base 

 of support, and since a proper surface of support is of the 

 greatest importance in preserving the soundness of the feet and 

 legs, careful attention must be given to this matter. Naturally 

 shoes designed for the various forms of hoofs must present 

 equally great and equally numerous difference's of form, as well 

 as other peculiarities. 



General Properties. 1. Form.- — A form corresponding to 

 the shape of the hoof is indispensable in every shoe. Front and 



